BETHESDA, MD – Today, Alley Cat Allies doubled the cash reward—to total $1,500—for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the deaths of 21 animals found stacked in an alley in South Bend, Ind. Police are requesting any eyewitnesses to come forward and make a sworn statement.

The animals—including cats, squirrels, rabbits, and an opossum—were found in late March after heavy snowfall thawed. The necropsy results show that the animals were shot with BBs or pellets. It is suspected that the animals were first trapped in box traps before being killed and left in the alley. Numerous tips have been received by police and all direct to the same person of interest.

“This is a crucial point in the investigation,” says Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “We want to encourage and reward anyone who can come forward as an eyewitness to help close this case.”

The national nonprofit announces the increase after a generous donor came forward offering to double the reward. Now a Virginia resident, the donor received his Bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame, located in South Bend, Ind.

“This egregious act of cruelty is completely uncharacteristic of the South Bend I know and love,” says the donor, who requested anonymity. “It is important that a precedent be set to show that this behavior is not tolerated and that perpetrators will be brought to justice.”

Intentionally killing a cat—pet, stray or feral—is against the law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In Indiana, depending on criminal history, animal cruelty can incur misdemeanor or felony charges.

Scientific studies show a clear link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (574) 288-STOP.

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About Alley Cat AlliesAlley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has over half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens nationwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org.